GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) - The criminal justice program at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College is so popular, classes have been added to eliminate the waiting list.

Our Terrific Teacher is part of that program.

Instructor Ron Connolly says "they [students] know that I have an open door, I advertise I have a comfortable place, offer them a cool beverage and really let them talk about any issue that is on their mind at that particular time".

NWTC Criminal Justice instructor Ron Connolly is famous on campus for his comfy green chair and genuine interest in listening to students.

"This is my opportunity to have an impact and make sure our next generation of leaders or heroes are better than their predecessors" he explains.

Connolly believes his open door policy is the first step in teaching these future officers to be caretakers in their community.

"The awesome responsibility isn't enforcing the law, its treating people with respect, keeping them safe, and as a last resort absolutely we enforce the law" says Connolly.

He worked for Milwaukee and Appleton's Police Departments before following his passion to teach.

"Back in the day when I was in criminal law we had to take turns reading the statute book. And I will tell you this I have never experienced anything so dry in my life". explains Connolly. "I promised myself that if I ever got into the position where I was the instructor and I had to instruct that material I would make it interesting for my students".

Connolly uses popular culture to keep students interested in class. For example, students watched the movie "Training Day" and for homework decided how they would handle the crimes.

"If we can get them to have fun in the classroom guess what some of the learning kind of sneaks up through the back door and you know what that's perfect".